Dunbar by Edward St. Aubyn

Henry Dunbar is wealthy and powerful. And he turns all over to his two older daughters. In exchange, they have him committed and put out of the way. Only his youngest daughter seems to care about him and not his power and money. After a dramatic escape from the hospital where he is incarcerated, Henry and Florence, his youngest, find each other. But for how long remains to be seen.  

In a modern retelling of King Lear, St. Aubyn has written a wonderful story. A short read, only 244 pages, it is worth an afternoon in the recliner with a cup of hot coffee while it's cold outside.

While this isn't my favorite Shakespeare story, I will be passing it along to my oldest daughter who loves King Lear.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

The Comic Book Story of Video Games

We are a gamer household. 

My daughters grew up on Zelda and the Pokemon games. I still think the first Bomberman was one of the best. My oldest daughter met her fiance playing World of Warcraft and we still play. We have owned and currently own, different platforms for gaming.

So, Jonathan Hennessey's The Comic Book Story of Video Games was right up our alley. Especially since graphic novels are also a passion in our household.

This was more a walk down memory lane for me as I remember going to the local 7-Eleven to play Joust. 

It was fun to read about how various games evolved and (cringing) how many I and my family have played over the years. 

In full color, even non-readers will love this book. However, it did make me sad to think about all the money I have spent over the past few decades on consoles and games.

This is a great book for the gamer in your life!

 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Awesome Things Matching Game

Considering the stack of books beside my bed (and pending reading) was beginning to become more than unmanageable, I opted for this little jewel as my next 'book' to review.

Needless to say, I have actually handled it for about 5 minutes total since it arrived. Lady K, who is 4.5 years old, loves it.

Some of the great things about this set of 'matching' cards...

• Size fits little hands nicely
• You can match by color or by image
• You can pull out one stack of 10 at a time for a small game or use them all for a larger game
• Pictures are fun and there are 2 blank ones so they can make their own cards
• Made of study cardboard with bright, simple images 
• The box they come in is study and will hold up better than the regular card boxes

Since we are on the 'decluttering before we move' stage, we sent the game to 'school' for everyone to play with, especially as we are entering winter here in Montana and days they can play outside will be few and far between. 

And the head of the day care brought up a good point - they aren't 'commercial' images, like Disney Princesses and the like. She was really excited to get them for the classroom.

And the two blank cards? Well, I think a picture of the two classroom teachers will be on them for a fun match.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

The underground Culinary Tour - Damian Mogavero

I have been toting this book around for months now as we have been trying to get settled into a new, all be it temporary, home.  

A bit about the book - 

ABOUT THE UNDERGROUND CULINARY TOUR

In the bestselling tradition of  Moneyball, The Underground Culinary Tour is a high-octane, behind-the-scenes narrative about how the restaurant industry, historically run by gut and intuition, is being transformed by the use of data.
 
Sixteen years ago, entrepreneur Damian Mogavero brought together an unlikely mix of experts—chefs and code writers—to create a pioneering software company whose goal was to empower restaurateurs, through the use of data, to elevate and enhance the guest experience. Today, his data gathering programs are used by such renown chefs as Danny Meyer, Tom Colicchio, Daniel Boulud, Guy Fieri, Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsay, and countless others.
 
Mogavero describes such restaurateurs as the New Guard, and their approach to their art and craft is radically different from that of their predecessors. By embracing data and adapting to the new trends of today’s demanding consumers, these innovative chefs and owners do everything more nimbly and efficiently—from the recipes they create to the wines and craft beers they stock, from the presentations they choreograph to the customized training they give their servers, making restaurants more popular and profitable than ever before.

 
Finally, Damian takes readers behind the scenes of his annual, invitation-only culinary tour for top chefs and industry CEOs, showing us how today’s elite restaurants embrace new trends to create unforgettable meals and transform how we eat. From the glittering nightclubs of Las Vegas to a packed seasonal restaurant on the Long Island Sound, from Brennan’s storied, family-run New Orleans dynasty to today’s high-stakes celebrity chef palaces, The Underground Culinary Tour takes readers on an epicurean adventure they won’t forget.

That being said, the book made me long for a larger city where places to eat, especially small, hole-in-the-wall restaurants thrive. More farm-to-table style places. Food trucks being the norm rather than a rarity, trotted out when warmer conditions hit Helena. 

But while I can go on and on about the description of menus, what is fascinating is something few, if any, of us think about - the day-to-day running of shops and how 'numbers' matter. From the number of people who come in to hear a DJ spin songs, to how many order what on what day of the week. Owning a place to eat is far more than just putting food on a plate and setting it on the table.

I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who loves finding out what goes on behind the swinging doors of a restaurant. And I want to go on one of the culinary tours Damian puts on!

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

ABOUT THE UNDERGROUND CULINARY TOUR

In the bestselling tradition of  Moneyball, The Underground Culinary Tour is a high-octane, behind-the-scenes narrative about how the restaurant industry, historically run by gut and intuition, is being transformed by the use of data.
 
Sixteen years ago, entrepreneur Damian Mogavero brought together an unlikely mix of experts—chefs and code writers—to create a pioneering software company whose goal was to empower restaurateurs, through the use of data, to elevate and enhance the guest experience. Today, his data gathering programs are used by such renown chefs as Danny Meyer, Tom Colicchio, Daniel Boulud, Guy Fieri, Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsay, and countless others.
 
Mogavero describes such restaurateurs as the New Guard, and their approach to their art and craft is radically different from that of their predecessors. By embracing data and adapting to the new trends of today’s demanding consumers, these innovative chefs and owners do everything more nimbly and efficiently—from the recipes they create to the wines and craft beers they stock, from the presentations they choreograph to the customized training they give their servers, making restaurants more popular and profitable than ever before.
 
Finally, Damian takes readers behind the scenes of his annual, invitation-only culinary tour for top chefs and industry CEOs, showing us how today’s elite restaurants embrace new trends to create unforgettable meals and transform how we eat. From the glittering nightclubs of Las Vegas to a packed seasonal restaurant on the Long Island Sound, from Brennan’s storied, family-run New Orleans dynasty to today’s high-stakes celebrity chef palaces, The Underground Culinary Tour takes readers on an epicurean adventure they won’t soon forget.

ABOUT THE UNDERGROUND CULINARY TOUR

In the bestselling tradition of  Moneyball, The Underground Culinary Tour is a high-octane, behind-the-scenes narrative about how the restaurant industry, historically run by gut and intuition, is being transformed by the use of data.
 
Sixteen years ago, entrepreneur Damian Mogavero brought together an unlikely mix of experts—chefs and code writers—to create a pioneering software company whose goal was to empower restaurateurs, through the use of data, to elevate and enhance the guest experience. Today, his data gathering programs are used by such renown chefs as Danny Meyer, Tom Colicchio, Daniel Boulud, Guy Fieri, Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsay, and countless others.
 
Mogavero describes such restaurateurs as the New Guard, and their approach to their art and craft is radically different from that of their predecessors. By embracing data and adapting to the new trends of today’s demanding consumers, these innovative chefs and owners do everything more nimbly and efficiently—from the recipes they create to the wines and craft beers they stock, from the presentations they choreograph to the customized training they give their servers, making restaurants more popular and profitable than ever before.
 
Finally, Damian takes readers behind the scenes of his annual, invitation-only culinary tour for top chefs and industry CEOs, showing us how today’s elite restaurants embrace new trends to create unforgettable meals and transform how we eat. From the glittering nightclubs of Las Vegas to a packed seasonal restaurant on the Long Island Sound, from Brennan’s storied, family-run New Orleans dynasty to today’s high-stakes celebrity chef palaces, The Underground Culinary Tour takes readers on an epicurean adventure they won’t soon forget.

Eat Beautiful by Wendy Rowe

I have to say I was a bit reluctant to pick up this book. It sounded a bit to 'fluffy' for me. However, I must say there is more than meets the eye here. 

Divided by the seasons, Rowe gives foods common during that time of the year, along with the nutrients and some yummy recipes using that ingredient. This is going to be helpful since we all want to eat better this year (lots of stress, you understand) for not only weight management, but overall health.

While it probably will not be my first 'go-to' cookbook, there are a lot of interesting ones I will try. And the layout and pictures are fantastic. Well worth a look through every now and then.



"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Story Genius - Lisa Gron

I am a sucker for books on writing.  Almost as much as I am a sucker for anything chocolate.

And interestingly enough, this book came to me right be National Novel Writing Month started.  However, Story Genius is not a quick read, especially in light of some of the other writing books I'm read.

Lisa Cron takes what most of the books on writing says to do and turns it on it's head.  Using the old '5 W's and How' from journalism, Cron has you crafting your novel using "What If?, The Who, The Why, The Worldview, The When and What Next?".  Creating the inside story is the first half of the book. Then she takes you into 'blueprinting' your story, pulling out cards, and building your story.  

There is a lot to absorb with this book and each chapter ends with an exercise based on that chapter's contents.  This is not a book to breeze through and stick on your shelf, but a deep read and write.  So much so, my initial read through is now a 'go-back-and-reread'.  But after NaNoWriMo.  Otherwise, I would be trashing what I've got and starting all over again (exactly what Cron's warns me about!)

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Alexander Hamilton's Guide to LIfe - Jeff Wilser

Everything is coming up Hamilton these days (except in my wallet, which is bare of Hamilton's)!

This small size book packs a big punch of fun reading.  Covering everything from handling office politics to honor to leisure time, Wilser's book is part history lesson and part practical advice, all from Hamilton's point of view.

Quick, short chapters make this a perfect book for reading just a page or two at a time.  However, once read, you then think about what you just finished for hours (if not days).

Of course, reading it with the sound track from Hamilton playing in the background is recommended.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Natural Color - Sasha Duerr

I have resisted learning how to spin.  Well, actually, I do have 2 drop spindles, but only 2 hands and I think I need a third hand to make it work - for me.  

And it's fall.  Leaves on the ground, wonderful colors everywhere.  And then I received Natural Color by Sasha Duerr.  And I think all my holding back from dyeing fabric and yarns is now out the window!

Subtitled "Vibrant plant dye projects for your home and wardrobe", Duerr has broken the book into seasons, a very sensible way to looking at gathering plant material for dyeing fabric.  She doesn't go into yarn dyeing, but I'm sure her methods could be used on yarn too.  

From rose petals, to hibiscus, to blue spruce being used on napkins, hats and baskets this is one hefty dose of eye candy.  And it's not all just about pretty pictures (although there are tons of them.)

Duerr covers everything from setting up the work area and the tools needed to achieve the results you want.  If you have ever been even remotely interested in dyeing your own fabrics, DO NOT pick up this book or you will be out eyeing all sorts of leaves, flowers and grasses for potential use.

So know I am stockpiling linen, silk and wool and scouring the thrift stores for stainless steel pots.  All I need is an outside burner.  Wonder if my grill would work?

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Not A Book, But a Game - Punderdome!

Our family LOVES puns!  As in, we have spent too many hours on car trips keeping the puns going, usually on one subject.  So when this came around, we had to grab it.

A well-crafted set of cards, pads to write on and it's game on.  

You pick two cards, one from each pile and create a pun connecting the prompts.  While it's not always easy, reading the puns on the back of the cards is worth the time and laughter.  

Definitely not for younger kids, although they would probably enjoy trying to play along, this nifty little box will go in the glove box in the car for trips.  It's better than wondering if a bear eats a zombie...

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Southern Spirits by Robert F. Moss

I'm a good Southern gal.  Born in Tennessee, raised in Texas, lived in North Carolina for 25 years.  Almost all of my 58 years of living has been in the South.  My first exposure to alcohol was my daddy's bottle of Jack Daniel's.  Every Christmas we gave my grandparents the annual Wild Turkey decanter.  So this book was right up my alley.

Interspersed with recipes for drinks, Moss leads us on a comprehensive review of everything liquor in the South.  From Revolutionary War days to the current trend in craft breweries, we learn everything about what is poured and sipped.

An interesting read, Southern Spirits should be read on the porch with a drink in hand.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Broth & Stock from the Nourished Kitchen by Jennifer McGruther

Like most people, I rely on boxes and cans of stock from the grocery store.  I usually think about making my own when I need some and the cupboard is empty.  But Jennifer McGruber in her new book, Broth & Stock from the Nourished Kitchen, makes me want to fill the stove with pots of simmering liquid.

From using the left over bones from a meal and scraps of veggies to 'trotters' and chicken feet, McGruber makes a case for making and storing your own broth.  The bonus is she gives recipes for then using the broth and stocks as a base for some simply delicious soups.

I can see a lot of soup bowls in my future!

Note:  I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for a fair review.

Somethingtofoodabout by Questlove

Being that I can sit in front of the TV and watch food show after food show, this book is a feast for my senses.  Somethingtofoodabout by Questlove is a collection of interviews with innovative chefs from around the country, interspersed with artful photographs.

The tagline of the book is what really captured by attention initially - "exploring creativity with innovative chefs".   Also the Arcimboldo-like picture, who I really love, was a second reason I wanted to take a look at this book.

This is a book to sit down with a plate of good bread and cheese, a glass of wine, prop your feet up and spend the evening with.  Much like you would do if you were enjoying a great meal.  It is one to savor in bites and not gulp down in a single serving.

Besides, anything with an introduction by Anthony Bourdain has to be good, right!

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

The Bee-Friendly Garden by Kate Frey and Gretchen LeBuhn

It's that time of the year when my desires turn to starting a garden.  This year is exciting because I have a yard to work in where we will be for some time to come.  And I am having to design space, in a tiny yard, for dogs, children and plants.  So receiving The Bee-Friendly Garden by Kate Frey and Gretchen LeBuhn was a bonus.

The blurb on the front states "Design an abundant, flower-filled yard that nurtures bees and supports biodiversity."  And this is what I am striving for.  However, I was a bit concerned it might not address my desire for a vegetable garden.

But that fear was short-lived, as there is a whole section on plants for edible gardens which will attract and support a strong bee population.  What I particularly liked about this chapter was the interplanting of flowers and vegetables, something I personally like to do.

The first chapter talks about the different kinds of bees and their habitats and needs and then it gets down to the nitty-gritty of having a garden which welcomes and supports bees.

At only about 200 pages and tons of pictures, on one hand it's a quick read.  On the other, there is a wealth of information and requires going back and rereading sections.  One of my particular favorites is at the end of the book where Frey and LeBuhn list recommendations of plants based on regions of the country.  Still learning Zone 4 after a life-long immersion in Zone 7, this is really helpful.  Each list is also divided into annuals, perennials, tree and shrubs.  While the lists are not lengthy, they do give an excellent starting point for your garden.

This is one book which will be review many times over the coming years I am sure.

Note:  I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for a fair review.

Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook

Reviewing a cookbook while alternately putting on and taking off a sweater or blankets due to chills or dashes to the bathroom might not be the best of times.  But the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook showed up on my doorstep right at a time when Texter and I were reading the Trim Healthy Mama Plan book and were thinking new year and all the usual goals and plans for better eating and weight loss.

First, let me say this is a substantial book.  512 pages filled with recipes and pictures.  Something you can use to at least keep the door open on a windy day.

Secondly, both Pearl and Serene (they encourage informality) have disclaimers in the opening pages you don't need to purchase their products to be successful on their plan, including the initial book, but as they say, it helps.  Balancing your "S" and "E" is necessary to the plan and you need some grounding in that area.

Third, integral collagen, 'gluccie', dronks, gelatin and pristine whey protein!  What!  Most of the recipes contain some, if not, all of the above.  And while you can fix the recipes without them, I got tired of having to tick off things I wasn't going to buy and leave out of recipes.  

There are some recipes which don't have what I refer to as the 'extras'.  The Cajun Cream Chicken is simple to prepare and looks really good, even using less fat cream cheese.  Cilantro Lime-Burst Chicken and Bangin' Ranch Drums I have also pulled out to make at some future date.  And they do have a whole section on crockpot meals and one-skillet dinners.

While this might not become a go-to cookbook and I find Weight Watchers easier to use because they don't have any special ingredients, per se, in their cookbooks, this isn't without merit.  However, I find planning menus hard enough without trying to balance my "S" and "E" meals.

But right now, chicken noodle soup out of a red and white can is all that sounds good to me.

NOTE: I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

5 in 5 for Every Season - Michael Symon

I enjoy watching Michael Symon on various cooking shows.  I like the fact he doesn't take himself or cooking seriously, so I was excited to see this book.  

There is one big 'issue' I have with the book and it is more personal.  Well, two actually.  First, there are more than five ingredients in each dish.  And many of them are outside the norm for this good ol' Southern gal.  But he does give a basic pantry set-up list at the front of the book and this is a chance to expand my palette.  That said, others in the household aren't as willing to 'expand' as Savvy and I are.  And some of the ingredients are a little hard to find in Helena, Montana.

That said, there is plenty I like about the book.

• Lovely pictures of the recipes throughout the book.
• The recipes are quick and relatively easy to prepare.
• Divided by season (which I like for trying to find things at the Farmer's Market)
• Some of the food combinations are a little unusual, which makes it interesting

While this will probably not become my 'go-to' cookbook for dinner ideas, I will slip one or two a month into the menu rotation.  

Note: "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Q & A a Day for Creatives

Once again I was drawn to the fact this book is a journal and it's labeled 'for creatives'.  I'm creative, right? And I journal, too.  Ok, so far, so good.

So four years of daily sketches should be a fun idea.  And it is.

By Potter Style, Q&A a Day For Creatives is a fun book.  Each page is divided into four quadrants and a quick prompt or question is listed to the side.  There is a tiny "20__" in each quadrant so you can list the year you are drawing.  

Most of the prompts are fun.  For example, March 13 is "Compose an abstract drawing that depicts your bank account's current status." 

Some of the things I like about the book are the fact the dates are already listed for you.  All I have to do is fill in the year.  The block you have to draw in each day is about 3.5 X 3.5 inches.  Not too small and not too large to be intimidating or time consuming to fill.

Couple of things I would change.  The paper is not ink friendly.  If you use anything other than pen (ball point) or pencil, there is a definite chance of bleed through.  Also, the book could use a ribbon to help mark your stop on the current day.

I have been using the journal in the mornings to get the old 'creative juices' flowing for the day.  It's fun and at this point, the bleed through on the pages is a bit of an irritant, but not a deal breaker.  We will see down the road.  In fact, I will probably be doing a bit of mixed media, mini-collages in it as time goes by.

This is definitely a book I would purchase to give to another 'creative journal.'

Note: "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Instant Happy Journal - Karen Salmansohn

There were three things in the title which attracted me to this book.  First, 'journal'.  I love to journal and love journals of all kinds.  Second, 'instant'.  As in instant gratification.  And third, 'happy'.  Who doesn't want to be happy?  

I can add a couple of other things which are attractive about this book.  It's small.  Only about 5.5"X6.5" and about an inch thick.  Just the right size to keep on the bedside table or throw in your bag and carry with you.  And it has a solid feel to it.  It doesn't feel like it would fall apart after a few uses. Secondly, the dates are blank.  So you can start anywhere in the book, writing down your responses to the questions or skip around.  Each day has a prompt in the form of a quote or question for you to think about and respond to.  All the pages are sturdy, so most pens will not bleed through to the other side.  Each page has an attractive colored graphic border of some sort around it.

Now for the downside.  It's too happy!  The outside, with the red, orange and yellow, I know is suppose to be energetic and, well, happy.  But it reminds me of McDonalds and just too happy for me.  I think I might have to make a cover for it as I have it on my bedside table.  I am using it at night before I go to bed.  Or at least that is my plan at the moment.

Another 'unhappy' thought about the book some of the prompts are really not prompts at all.  For example, how am I to respond to "Love the Heck out of Life"?  Or, in such a small space, how am I suppose to write a letter to myself or the first chapter or two of my life story?

Since I have it beside my bed and I would like to use the book, I will probably collage on some of the pages and put in other words or phrases over the prompts in the book and make it more my own.

I think this is a book you would give someone who you know loves 'page a day' books, but overall I probably would not buy this for myself or a serious journal writer.  

Note: I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

The Time Garden - Adult Coloring Book

Another blogger I respect and follow (Paperback Writer), recently mentioned Blogging for Books.  My thought was 'free books' and 'blog about them'...this is a win-win situation.  So for my first book I selected an adult coloring book.

First off, I have to say coloring as an adult is far from new for me.  I spent the early 70's in my bedroom, going through scores of flair pens, coloring away on the huge art posters to color.  Back then there was no teenage angst, you dealt - quietly.  After 9/11, I would often bring coloring books from the dollar store into work.  I was ahead of the curve and knew about zentangling before it became the thing to do. So the whole craze these days about color books for adults - old hat.

I requested The Time Garden by Daria Song as my first book.  Before I get to my review, let me tell you about the journey the book arrival took.  Apparently it is suppose to arrive sooner than I was thinking it should.  And I get this email about how they thought it had been sent out, but there was actually a backlog at the warehouse and it didn't get sent out on time.  So they sent me a second book as an apology.  Also a coloring book - completely different from The Time Garden.

So....

About this book.  I LOVE IT!

First off, it seems almost a sacrilege to color in it.  The illustrations are delightful and there is a story behind the pictures.  The cover, which is also an illustration in the book, is embossed with metallic paint on the leaves.  Everyone I have shown the book to before I started coloring in is were all 'ah's' over it.

Daria Song is Korean and the pictures are delicate and detailed.  This is not a book for your crayons.  You could use crayons, but I think they would be too 'bulky' feeling for this book. I was a little worried about possible bleed-through on the pages even though the paper has a good feel to it.  I decided to try different coloring implements on the pages.

When I got out my markers, watercolors and colored pencils it drew an assistant like flies to sweets.  The story behind the drawings is a little girl, who couldn't sleep, getting drawn into a magical cuckoo clock which transports her to this garden.  Very simple story, detailed drawings.

There is NO way these little hands are touching this book.  In fact, I am even pouting a bit about letting my 22 year old daughter color in it and she's an artist.

One page caught my attention immediately.  It's a picture of blossoms and I knew I wanted to try a watercolor wash on it.

I was a little hesitant because I didn't know how the paper would react with the water.  I did very well.

The pink and green wasn't enough for me, so I had to add sky to the page.

I am pleased with how the paper held up to the watercolors.  No bleeding on the top or bleed through on the back.  Little, if any, wrinkling of the paper due to water.

This page I tried out flair pens, colored pencils and Stadler markers.  All worked well and didn't show on the other side.

Overall, I have to give the book a major thumbs up.  Not only is the story and drawings fantastic without any additional coloring, but the quality of the paper makes it a joy to use.  This book is one which would make a great gift to someone special.

Note:  I received the book from Blogging for Books in exchange for a fair and true review.  All opinions I have given above are mine.